Solution Dilution

Last week, details emerged about a comprehensive study on the accelerated and destructive effects of global warming on the Arctic, involving more than 300 scientists from eight nations and six indigenous tribes. Now some members of an eight-nation negotiating team are accusing the U.S. of working to water down recommendations based on the study. U.S. State Department officials have argued that the study doesn’t contain enough evidence to warrant specific policy proposals, something several negotiators dispute. Specifically, the Bush administration has fought against a seemingly anodyne passage urging member countries to adopt strategies that “aim at the reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases.” Hey, just because there’s a massive problem is no reason to go around talking about solutions.

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